Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will return to their home ground at the Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 6, in today’s match when KKR will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
RCB and KKR are in different positions after playing one match each in the competition so far. After Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by eight wickets in their previous match, Kolkata lost to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a rain-affected match.
KKR are looking for ways to improve their squad, and they have brought in Jason Roy in place of Shakib Al Hasan.
On the other hand, Bangalore loses Reece Topley to a shoulder injury, at least temporarily. They have strong players on the bench who can replace the left-arm seamer, but they will already be eagerly waiting to avail themselves of the services of Wanindu Hasaranga and Josh Hazlewood.
KKR have won three out of their last five matches against RCB, with the recent head-to-head having a pretty similar record. The team chasing in those four matches has come out on top. The team winning the toss at Eden Gardens will have a big advantage.
KKR vs RCB Match Prediction: Who will win today’s IPL 2023 match?
With KKR waiting for Roy to join the squad, they are likely to continue with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mandeep Singh at the top of the order. Both of them will face an in-form Mohammed Siraj but could welcome a bowler to pick up at the other end.
KKR’s troubles are not going to end easily. Their top order is not the most lethal, their middle order looks brittle, and the bowling attack is yet to come together.
Sunil Narine was in fine form in KKR’s last match, and that could be their only chance against RCB’s weaknesses against spin. Tim Southee, who was bowling stick against PBKS with his line and length, will also need to step up.
RCB, on the other hand, has no such problem. Even if they are without Hasaranga, Hazlewood, and Topley, they are the better team on paper and should be able to give Kolkata a run for their money.
Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis are looking in top form, and Glenn Maxwell hit two sixes for his team on his return from injury. Dinesh Karthik will love the size and nature of Eden Gardens, while Michael Bracewell is also a match-winner on his day.
Overall, Bangalore is definitely the favorite in today’s match competition. If Nitish Rana wins the toss, his team will have a real chance, especially if Andre Russell comes to the party.
Who will win today’s IPL 2023 Match: RCB to win Match 9 of IPL 2023.
